Unhealthy Behaviors

Abortion produces strong emotions that can change over time. Denying, repressing, or pushing down these emotions may work for a while, but continued refusal to face the emotions surrounding a loss such as abortion can lead to unhealthy behaviors.

Below are resources designed to help with specific unhealthy behaviors that may develop.

AbortionChangesYou.com, its creators, and all those involved are not responsible for the content of the individual resources listed for referral, nor does providing a link constitute endorsement of a resource.

AWARE

The Aware Support Line is for individuals who are seeking support and information to cope with, manage or recover from depression, anxiety and related conditions. Aware also provide support groups.
Support Line: 1890 303 302 (open seven days a week; Monday – Sunday from 10am – 10pm)
Email Support: [email protected] (you will receive a full response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.aware.ie/

GROW

GROW is an Irish Mental Health Organisation which helps people who have suffered, or are suffering, from mental health problems. Members are helped to recover from all forms of mental breakdown, or indeed, to prevent such happening. GROW hold regular meetings throughout Ireland.
Phone: 1890 474 474
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://grow.ie/

BoysTown

www.boystown.org
Website provides information on many issues affecting families, such as poor communication, substance abuse, and mental illness.
Website provides sources and/or intervention specifically for children and teenagers in dangerous or troubling circumstances.
Website offers publications for parents and families about family counseling and parenting education, and resources can be requested.

National Dating Abuse Helpline

Coalition for Family Harmony

National Child Abuse Hotline

www.childhelp.org/pages/hotline-home
Website provides information on child abuse and offers resources for children who are victims of abuse, neglect, bullying, or dating abuse. It also offers educational publications on parenting and other topics.

National Runaway Safeline

AWARE

The Aware Support Line is for individuals who are seeking support and information to cope with, manage or recover from depression, anxiety and related conditions. Aware also provide support groups.
Support Line: 1890 303 302 (open seven days a week; Monday – Sunday from 10am – 10pm)
Email Support: [email protected] (you will receive a full response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.aware.ie/

NO PANIC

GROW

GROW is an Irish Mental Health Organisation which helps people who have suffered, or are suffering, from mental health problems. Members are helped to recover from all forms of mental breakdown, or indeed, to prevent such happening. GROW hold regular meetings throughout Ireland.
Phone: 1890 474 474
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://grow.ie/

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

Mental Health America

www.nmha.org
Website provides information about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for depression, bipolar, and other conditions. It provides referrals to local mental health service providers.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

www.nami.org
Website provides information about mental illnesses and the resources and treatment options available for each illness, including anxiety disorders, PTSD, and depression.

National Institute of Mental Health

AWARE

The Aware Support Line is for individuals who are seeking support and information to cope with, manage or recover from depression, anxiety and related conditions. Aware also provide support groups.
Support Line: 1890 303 302 (open seven days a week; Monday – Sunday from 10am – 10pm)
Email Support: [email protected] (you will receive a full response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.aware.ie/

OCD IRELAND

The OCD Ireland website is a resource for finding information, support and news for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Trichotillomania and Body Dysmorphic Disorder sufferers in Ireland. OCD Ireland also run free support groups.
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://sites.google.com/site/2920383/

THE SAMARITANS

The Samaritans provide a confidential support service for those experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts. The Samaritans are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Helpline: Freephone 116 123 (callers from Rep of Ireland)
Northern Ireland Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (callers from N. Ireland)
Email: [email protected] (you will receive a response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.samaritans.org/

PIETA HOUSE

Pieta House offers free one to one counselling for people with suicidal ideation, people who have attempted suicide and people engaging in self-harming behaviours.
Web: http://www.pieta.ie/

Pieta House Ballyfermot
Phone: 01-6235606

Pieta House Cork
Phone: 021-4341400

Pieta House Finglas
Phone: 01-8140774

Pieta House Kerry
Phone: 066-7163660

Pieta House Lucan
Phone: 01-6010000

Pieta House Midwest
Phone: 061-484444

Pieta House Roscrea
Phone: 0505-22568

Pieta House Tallaght
Phone: 087-9368633/01-6200020

Pieta House West
Phone: 093-25586

Boys Town

www.boystown.org
Website provides information on many issues including cutting, depression, and conflict. It offers resources for children and teens, including intervention for those in dangerous situations. It offers resources for parents and families, such as counseling and education.

Broken Palace

www.brokenpalace.com
Website offers many resources, including an art wall, prayer wall, and video library for teens who are struggling with cutting, anxiety, and depression. Website offers a wall to post stories and read stories of other struggling teens.

National Runaway Safeline

www.1800runaway.org
Website provides information for youth and parents about the factors that cause adolescents to run away from home.

Samariteens

AWARE

The Aware Support Line is for individuals who are seeking support and information to cope with, manage or recover from depression, anxiety and related conditions. Aware also provide support groups.
Support Line: 1890 303 302 (open seven days a week; Monday – Sunday from 10am – 10pm)
Email Support: [email protected] (you will receive a full response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.aware.ie/

THE SAMARITANS

The Samaritans provide a confidential support service for those experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts. The Samaritans are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Helpline: Freephone 116 123 (callers from Rep of Ireland)
Northern Ireland Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (callers from N. Ireland)
Email: [email protected] (you will receive a response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.samaritans.org/

ST PATRICK’S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES: SUPPORT & INFORMATION SERVICE

GROW

GROW is an Irish Mental Health Organisation which helps people who have suffered, or are suffering, from mental health problems. Members are helped to recover from all forms of mental breakdown, or indeed, to prevent such happening. GROW hold regular meetings throughout Ireland.
Phone: 1890 474 474
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://grow.ie/

For Difficulty Getting Close to or Caring for Your Child/Children, Partner, Family Members/Friends

AWARE

The Aware Support Line is for individuals who are seeking support and information to cope with, manage or recover from depression, anxiety and related conditions. Aware also provide support groups.
Support Line: 1890 303 302 (open seven days a week; Monday – Sunday from 10am – 10pm)
Email Support: [email protected] (you will receive a full response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.aware.ie/

THE SAMARITANS

The Samaritans provide a confidential support service for those experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts. The Samaritans are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Helpline: Freephone 116 123 (callers from Rep of Ireland)
Northern Ireland Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (callers from N. Ireland)
Email: [email protected] (you will receive a response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.samaritans.org/

GROW

GROW is an Irish Mental Health Organisation which helps people who have suffered, or are suffering, from mental health problems. Members are helped to recover from all forms of mental breakdown, or indeed, to prevent such happening. GROW hold regular meetings throughout Ireland.
Phone: 1890 474 474
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://grow.ie/

AWARE

The Aware Support Line is for individuals who are seeking support and information to cope with, manage or recover from depression, anxiety and related conditions. Aware also provide support groups.
Support Line: 1890 303 302 (open seven days a week; Monday – Sunday from 10am – 10pm)
Email Support: [email protected] (you will receive a full response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.aware.ie/

THE SAMARITANS

The Samaritans provide a confidential support service for those experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts. The Samaritans are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Helpline: Freephone 116 123 (callers from Rep of Ireland)
Northern Ireland Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (callers from N. Ireland)
Email: [email protected] (you will receive a response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.samaritans.org/

GROW

GROW is an Irish Mental Health Organisation which helps people who have suffered, or are suffering, from mental health problems. Members are helped to recover from all forms of mental breakdown, or indeed, to prevent such happening. GROW hold regular meetings throughout Ireland.
Phone: 1890 474 474
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://grow.ie/

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS (G.A.)

Gamblers Anonymous (G.A.) helps people to recover from a gambling problem. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling. Support groups are available around the country.
Dublin: 01-8721133 (have a pen handy as the machine may give you a contact number when the office is unattended)
Cork: 087-2859552
Galway: 086-3494450
Tipperary: 085-7831045
Waterford: 087-1850294
Waterford: 086-2683538
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.gamblersanonymous.ie/

Debtors Anonymous

www.debtorsanonymous.org
Website provides information about the Twelve Step model and signs of an addiction to gambling.

National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)

www.ncpgambling.org
Website provides information about the signs of addiction to gambling and provides a directory of counselors who specialize in this area.

AWARE

The Aware Support Line is for individuals who are seeking support and information to cope with, manage or recover from depression, anxiety and related conditions. Aware also provide support groups.
Support Line: 1890 303 302 (open seven days a week; Monday – Sunday from 10am – 10pm)
Email Support: [email protected] (you will receive a full response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.aware.ie/

THE SAMARITANS

The Samaritans provide a confidential support service for those experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts. The Samaritans are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Helpline: Freephone 116 123 (callers from Rep of Ireland)
Northern Ireland Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (callers from N. Ireland)
Email: [email protected] (you will receive a response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.samaritans.org/

GROW

GROW is an Irish Mental Health Organisation which helps people who have suffered, or are suffering, from mental health problems. Members are helped to recover from all forms of mental breakdown, or indeed, to prevent such happening. GROW hold regular meetings throughout Ireland.
Phone: 1890 474 474
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://grow.ie/

ST PATRICK’S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES: SUPPORT & INFORMATION SERVICE

AWARE

The Aware Support Line is for individuals who are seeking support and information to cope with, manage or recover from depression, anxiety and related conditions. Aware also provide support groups.
Support Line: 1890 303 302 (open seven days a week; Monday – Sunday from 10am – 10pm)
Email Support: [email protected] (you will receive a full response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.aware.ie/

THE SAMARITANS

The Samaritans provide a confidential support service for those experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts. The Samaritans are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Helpline: Freephone 116 123 (callers from Rep of Ireland)
Northern Ireland Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (callers from N. Ireland)
Email: [email protected] (you will receive a response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.samaritans.org/

NO PANIC

AWARE

The Aware Support Line is for individuals who are seeking support and information to cope with, manage or recover from depression, anxiety and related conditions. Aware also provide support groups.
Support Line: 1890 303 302 (open seven days a week; Monday – Sunday from 10am – 10pm)
Email Support: [email protected] (you will receive a full response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.aware.ie/

THE SAMARITANS

The Samaritans provide a confidential support service for those experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts. The Samaritans are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Helpline: Freephone 116 123 (callers from Rep of Ireland)
Northern Ireland Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (callers from N. Ireland)
Email: [email protected] (you will receive a response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.samaritans.org/

GROW

GROW is an Irish Mental Health Organisation which helps people who have suffered, or are suffering, from mental health problems. Members are helped to recover from all forms of mental breakdown, or indeed, to prevent such happening. GROW hold regular meetings throughout Ireland.
Phone: 1890 474 474
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://grow.ie/

Fundacion Fobia Club

THE SAMARITANS

The Samaritans provide a confidential support service for those experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts. The Samaritans are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Helpline: Freephone 116 123 (callers from Rep of Ireland)
Northern Ireland Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (callers from N. Ireland)
Email: [email protected] (you will receive a response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.samaritans.org/

PIETA HOUSE

Pieta House offers free one to one counselling for people with suicidal ideation, people who have attempted suicide and people engaging in self-harming behaviours
Web: http://www.pieta.ie/
Pieta House Ballyfermot
Phone: 01-6235606

Pieta House Cork
Phone: 021-4341400

Pieta House Finglas
Phone: 01-8140774

Pieta House Kerry
Phone: 066-7163660

Pieta House Lucan
Phone: 01-6010000

Pieta House Midwest
Phone: 061-484444

Pieta House Roscrea
Phone: 0505-22568

Pieta House Tallaght
Phone: 087-9368633/01-6200020

Pieta House West
Phone: 093-25586

BoysTown

http://www.boystown.org
Website provides information on many issues affecting families, such as poor communication, substance abuse, and mental illness. Website provides resources and/or intervention specifically for children and teenagers in dangerous or troubling circumstances. Website offers publications for parents and families about family counseling and parenting education.

International Association for Suicide Prevention

www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/
Website lists hotlines which offer immediate crisis counseling by phone to those who are in suicidal or emotional distress in over 100 countries. Provided hotlines are Confidential, Anonymous, and Free in respective country.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA)

Providing support for those overcoming alcohol addiction. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership. There are approximately 850 AA Groups in Irelandwith an estimated 12,000 AA members. Support groups are available around the country.
Email : [email protected]
Web: http://www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie/

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS (NA)

Narcotics Anonymous offers recovery from the effects of addiction through working a twelve step program, including regular attendance at group meetings. It costs nothing to be a member, the only requirement is a desire to stop using.
Phone: 01 6728000
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.na-ireland.org/

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Cocaine Anonymous Worldwide

http://www.ca.org
Website provides information about the Twelve Step program and it provides an online test to see if you or a loved suffers from a cocaine addiction. It also lists the locations and/or phone numbers of meetings internationally.

Marijuana Anonymous (MA) World Services

www.marijuana-anonymous.org
Website provides information about the Twelve Step program for those struggling with an addiction to marijuana. Local support groups, online support groups, and phone support groups are listed.

Nar-Anon Family World Services

www.nar-anon.org
Website provides information about Nar-Anon’s Twelve Step program and it lists the locations and/or phone numbers of support groups.

Nicotine Anonymous

www.nicotine-anonymous.org
Website provides information about Nicotine Anonymous’ Twelve Step program and it lists the locations and/or phone numbers of support groups.

The Partnership at DrugFree.org

http://theparenttoolkit.org
Website provides information for parents on the prevention and detection of drug use in adolescents. Website offers publications on prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery.

If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms for more than a month, please use the Find Help locator to access national and local resources. These symptoms may suggest that you’re developing impacted grief, or complicated grief, or some other psychological complication. This typically feels like you’re “stuck” in your grief and unable to move forward in your life. To rule out these possibilities, consultation with a trained counselor is recommended.

While it’s important to not impose an expected time frame for healing, you also don’t want to allow yourself to remain stuck for too long, which makes it that much harder to move through the grieving process.

International Association for Suicide Prevention

www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/
Website lists hotlines which offer immediate crisis counseling by phone to those who are in suicidal or emotional distress in over 100 countries. Provided hotlines are Confidential, Anonymous, and Free in respective country.

THE SAMARITANS

The Samaritans provide a confidential support service for those experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts. The Samaritans are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Helpline: Freephone 116 123 (callers from Rep of Ireland)
Northern Ireland Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (callers from N. Ireland)
Email: [email protected] (you will receive a response within 24 hours)
Web: http://www.samaritans.org/

WOMEN’S AID

Women’s Aid work to stop domestic violence against women and children. They provide a helpline for women experiencing domestic abuse, 1 to 1 support service and court accompaniment service.
Helpline: 1800 341 900 (10m-10pm every day of the year except Christmas Day)
Email: [email protected]id.ie
Web: www.womensaid.ie

AMEN

Amen is a voluntary group which provides a confidential helpline, support and advice service for male victims of domestic abuse and their children.
Helpline: 046 9023 718
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.amen.ie

DUBLIN RAPE CRISIS CENTRE

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is a national organisation offering a wide range of services to women and men who are affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment or childhood sexual abuse. The services include a national 24-hour helpline, one to one counselling, and court accompaniment.
24-hour Helpline: 1 800 778 888
Web: http://www.drcc.ie/

WOMEN’S AID

Women’s Aid work to stop domestic violence against women and children. They provide a helpline for women experiencing domestic abuse, 1 to 1 support service and court accompaniment service.
Helpline: 1800 341 900 (10m-10pm every day of the year except Christmas Day)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.womensaid.ie

AMEN

Amen is a voluntary group which provides a confidential helpline, support and advice service for male victims of domestic abuse and their children.
Helpline: 046 9023 718
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.amen.ie

DUBLIN RAPE CRISIS CENTRE

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is a national organisation offering a wide range of services to women and men who are affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment or childhood sexual abuse. The services include a national 24-hour helpline, one to one counselling, and court accompaniment.
24-hour Helpline: 1 800 778 888
Web: http://www.drcc.ie/

ONE IN FOUR

Unhealthy Behaviors

Abortion represents significant loss(es) in a person’s life.

Identifying and acknowledging these losses is an important step toward healing. On the other hand, minimizing or denying them and the grief they produce will not only impede the healing process, but it may also lead to unhealthy behaviors.

Unhealthy behaviors that may have already been present before the abortion are likely to be continued or accelerated after the abortion.

Unhealthy behaviors may start as protective measures to either cope with or mask painful emotions or to deny grief and loss. If the behaviors are repeatedly used, they may begin to take on a compulsive life of their own with seemingly no connection to the abortion.

Unhealthy behaviors may be a daily occurrence, or they may occur periodically. Sometimes unhealthy behaviors are triggered by certain events, such as the anniversary of the abortion or the expected due date of the child.

Whether or not you think these behaviors are related to an abortion experience, extra assistance such as a 12-step program or group, spiritual assistance, or professional counseling is needed to regain your well-being. Unhealthy behaviors are listed below with accompanying resource information.

The information listed below is intended to help with specific unhealthy behaviors, and may not be able to address your concerns and needs related to your abortion experience or the experience of a loved one.

If you feel at any time your reactions and emotions are not being validated and addressed appropriately by a resource—do not give up.

You may wish to contact after abortion healing resources using the Find Help locater. After abortion healing resources will often provide individual guidance, as well as group support or retreat-style workshops.

Signs of Complicated Grief

Anxiety

Dulled sense of feeling

Fear or avoidance of children

Fixating on another child

Flashbacks

Nightmares

Rage

Difficulty sleeping

Difficulty concentrating

Inability to recall parts of the event

If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms for more than a month, please use the Find Help directory to access local resources. These symptoms may suggest that you’re developing impacted grief, or complicated grief, or some other psychological complication. This typically feels like you’re “stuck” in your grief and unable to move forward in your life. To rule out these possibilities, consultation with a trained counselor is recommended.

While it’s important to not impose an expected time frame for healing, you also don’t want to allow yourself to remain stuck for too long, which makes it that much harder to move through the grieving process.

This site is not a professional counseling site, nor is it meant to take the place of professional counseling. Sometimes an abortion experience can create intense emotions that you may not feel equipped to deal with on your own. Please use the Find Help locator to access national and local support resources. Call Samaritans at 116 123 in the Republic of Ireland and 08457 90 90 90 in the UK if you're thinking about or planning to hurt yourself.